Trash & Recycling in Miami, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Miami or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Miami has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Mandatory Organics Recycling

Florida sets no statewide organics recycling mandate, and Miami's Solid Waste Department has not adopted one. Residents and businesses may participate in voluntary curbside compost pilots and private haulers without facing diversion penalties.

Key details: State mandate: None. City mandate: None. Curbside organics: Voluntary pilots. FL diversion goal: 75% (aspirational). Yard waste: Separate collection.

Mixing food scraps with regular garbage carries no fine. Miami pickup violations relate to bin placement (Sec. 22-46) and contamination of recyclables, not organics separation. Commercial generators face only contract terms with private haulers, not city-imposed diversion penalties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Miami gives residents more flexibility on mandatory organics recycling.

Yard Waste Collection

Miami collects yard trash twice monthly through the bulky waste program. Residents may set out tree limbs, palm fronds, and bagged leaves curbside on scheduled pickup weeks. Hurricane-season trimming is encouraged. Volume is capped at six cubic yards per pickup.

Key details: Measurement: Twice-monthly bulky/yard waste pickup. Measurement: Volume limit 6 cubic yards per pickup. Fees: Branches max 4 feet long, 4 inches diameter. Rule: Bagged leaves up to 50 pounds per bag. Rule: Place at curb day before pickup, not earlier.

Setouts placed too early, exceeding volume limits, or containing prohibited items (construction debris, hazardous waste) may be tagged and result in fines from $100 to $500 under Miami Code §22-46. Illegal dumping carries fines up to $1,000.

Miami is more permissive than most cities when it comes to yard waste collection. That said, there are still limits.

Bulk Item Disposal

Miami provides bulk item collection as part of regular residential service. Up to 3 bulk items per week are collected on regular trash days. Larger quantities require scheduling special pickup through the Solid Waste Department.

Key details: Weekly Bulk: Up to 3 items on regular trash days. Freon Appliances: Must be tagged for special handling. Construction Debris: Not accepted — private hauling required. Electronics: Drop-off events only. Illegal Dumping: Up to $500 fine.

Illegal dumping of bulk items on vacant lots or public property carries fines up to $500 and potential criminal charges. Improper disposal of hazardous materials carries additional state and federal penalties.

Recycling Requirements

Miami provides curbside single-stream recycling collected weekly. Florida law requires commercial recycling, and Miami encourages residential participation. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#7, glass, and metals.

Key details: Collection: Weekly curbside in blue cart. Stream Type: Single-stream. Accepted: Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#7, glass, metals. Not Accepted: Plastic bags, styrofoam, food waste. State Goal: 75% diversion rate per FL law.

Contaminated recycling bins may be left uncollected. There are no residential fines for not recycling, but commercial properties must comply with state recycling mandates.

Bin Placement Rules

Miami requires specific bin placement for automated collection. Bins must be placed at the curb with handles facing the house and adequate clearance from obstacles. When not set out, bins must be stored out of public view.

Key details: Placement: At curb, handles facing house. Clearance: 3 feet from obstacles. Set-Out Time: By 7 AM on collection day. Storage: Screened from public view between collections.

Improperly placed bins may be skipped by collection crews. Bins left at the curb may result in code compliance notices starting at $50 per violation.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

City of Miami Department of Solid Waste provides twice-weekly garbage, once-weekly recycling, and once-weekly yard waste collection under Chapter 22. Carts placed at curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed by midnight.

Key details: Garbage: Twice weekly. Recycling: Once weekly. Placement: By 6 AM. Removal: By midnight. Bulk: Schedule via 311.

Improper placement or timing may result in missed collection. Carts left out are a code violation. Contaminated recycling is left uncollected.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Miami gives residents more room on trash & recycling. 2 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Miami's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.